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European Union

European Union
European Union
The latest breaking news and stories on the European Union (EU), an economic and political union of 27 member states mainly located in Europe, which accounts for around a sixth of global economic output. Also covering the EU’s relationship with the UK (post Brexit), China and the US, plus commentary and updates on EU legislation, the euro and trade.
Half the batteries and inverters used in the EU are made in China, as are 94 per cent of solar panels, a dependence officials describe as unsustainable. Photo: AFP
China-EU relations

China in the crosshairs as EU launches sweeping plans to save industrial future

Proposals reveal EU anxiety over competing with Chinese products, security fears linked to Chinese investments and urgency to act.

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Spain

Germany’s Merz lacked ‘solidarity’ amid silence during Trump attacks: Spain

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump slams European allies, praises China and continues to justify Iran attack

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China-EU relations

EU strips AI, chips and quantum from industrial plan aimed at countering China

Leaked draft shows biotechnology and robotics are other cutting-edge sectors to be cut from Industrial Accelerator Act ahead of unveiling.

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While China is directly referred to only twice in 93 pages of legislation and annexes, the act is seen as a crucial prong of Brussels’ efforts to de-risk from the Asian giant. Photo: Shutterstock
US-China trade war

Trump’s tariff wars reshaped US-China trade – at what cost to American firms?

US exporters lost tens of billions of US dollars in sales to China in 2025, economist says.

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US, Israel war on Iran

How is the conflict in Iran affecting Europe’s energy supply and prices?

Analysts urge EU to accelerate green energy transition and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports.

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France

France to boost atomic arsenal, could deploy nuclear-armed jets to allies

France’s Macron says eight European countries have agreed to a ‘forward’ deterrence plan to bolster continental security.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Ile Longue nuclear submarine base. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Europe divided, on edge as US-Israel strikes on Iran ripple across the continent

Cyprus hit, oil prices jump and EU leaders clash over legality, regime change and Washington’s role in the widening conflict.

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Extreme weather

Record-breaking? El Nino may return in 2026, making planet even hotter

However, scientists say there’s a risk of 2026 being ‘the warmest year on record even without El Nino, due to the global warming trend’.

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US, Israel war on Iran

5 takeaways from the first 2 days of US-Israel war against Iran

Amid escalating US-Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation, casualties emerge, oil spikes and global geopolitics face major shocks.

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People gather to mourn the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran. Photo: Xinhua
China-EU relations

Is Europe, the world’s geopolitical punching bag, ready to hit back?

The EU could land a range of economic blows if it wants to be more than a lightweight, researchers say.

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Europe might have trade punches it can land on the US and China but is it prepared to use them? Photo: Reuters
Middle East

Turkish journalists jailed for filming near Nato base hosting US troops

Turkey also hosts a highly sensitive Nato early-warning radar system at Kurecik base in the central Malatya province that can detect Iranian missile launches.

Russia

Belgium special forces seize Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker

The European Union has blacklisted hundreds of vessels in a bid to sap Moscow’s war chest.

Iran

US-Iran strikes: global shipping braces for hit from Strait of Hormuz closure

Various reports indicate that authorities in Tehran have taken control of the vital energy transport route.

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The Strait of Hormuz is the maritime gateway to the Persian Gulf and a vital energy shipping route. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Trump threatens more hits, Khamenei dead and Israel mounts new attacks

Beijing says the killing of Iran’s supreme leader is ‘a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security’.

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Government supporters gather in mourning after state TV officially announces the death of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran, Iran on Sunday. Photo: AP
China exports

Deals of steel: how China’s price-setting agreements are easing trade tempers

Chinese exporters agree to raise prices to avoid anti‑dumping duties, echoing earlier electric vehicle agreement with European Union.

Pakistan

‘Managed escalation’: Pakistan-Taliban stand-off enters dangerous new phase

With positions entrenched, mediation efforts by regional powers are unlikely to deliver a swift breakthrough, observers say.

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Pakistan

Afghanistan’s Taliban open to talks with Pakistan as ‘open war’ continues

The attacks by Pakistan come as it continues to allege that the Taliban harbours militants seeking to overthrow the Islamabad government.

An Afghan security force member takes part in a military operation against Pakistan in Khost, Afghanistan, on Friday. Photo: Xinhua
Ukraine war

Opinion | Peace in Ukraine will require pragmatic diplomacy on both sides

To prevent the war from dragging on for a fifth year, earlier proposals such as one floated by China and Brazil should be reconsidered.

Britain

UK probes if Epstein used airbases for trafficking girls amid Andrew scrutiny

The decision came after former PM Brown demanded investigations into whether the ex-prince used government jets to meet Epstein.

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China exports

As China’s firms go global, foreign expertise is becoming a hot commodity

Chinese companies are rushing to hire a range of service contractors to help them expand overseas – from compliance experts to TikTok gurus.

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Many content creators are helping Chinese manufacturers expand their reach on overseas social media platforms. Photo: EPA-EFE
Diplomacy

Opinion | Europe is ready for strategic autonomy, but at what cost?

The EU post-war project left Europe lagging behind the US and China. Now, without American protection, the continent must reclaim its edge.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
China-Germany relations

Editorial | Merz’s Beijing trip shows that Germany realises it needs to work with China

Stable bilateral and China-EU relations can only be positive for global stability and sustainable development in an era of turbulence.

Ukraine war

Opinion | Don’t expect Russia’s war on Ukraine to end in its fifth year

Barring Moscow or Kyiv reaching breaking points in their war efforts, neither side will make any steps to end or ‘freeze’ the conflict.

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China-EU relations

China-EU trade ties are at a crossroads. Could tech bridge the divide?

A hostile Washington is creating openings for a reset – but deep-seated issues remain, analyst says.

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China-EU relations have suffered in recent years, but the Trump administration’s hostility towards the bloc has raised hopes for a reset. Several high-profile European leaders have headed east in recent months, though deep concerns over China’s export machine remain. Photo: Reuters
China-Germany relations

Merz’s China tightrope: German leader has warm words, hard questions for Beijing

German chancellor strikes diplomatic tone in Beijing meetings while pushing his hosts on subsidies, currency devaluation and Russia.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: AP
China technology

China’s tech surge leaves Japan and South Korea trailing in global rankings

Propelled by strategic R&D, China’s tech prowess is now the third highest, with key sectors such as batteries and biotech showing big gains over rivals.

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SCMP Highlights

EU’s tech ban; China’s mysterious Nantianmen project: 7 science highlights

From a leading biologist leaving US for China to a semiconductor breakthrough, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting.

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